To ease highway travel for private car owners, the government is considering introducing two toll pass options:
- Annual Toll Pass: ₹3,000 for unlimited travel on national highways for one year.
- Lifetime Toll Pass: ₹30,000 for unlimited highway access for 15 years.
Both passes will be linked to FASTags, ensuring a seamless, cashless toll collection system without requiring separate purchases.
Major Relief for Frequent Highway Users
Currently, private vehicle owners can only purchase monthly passes priced at ₹340 per toll plaza, totaling ₹4,080 annually. These passes are valid for a single plaza and require address verification. The new ₹3,000 annual pass, covering the entire national highway network, would be a far more economical option for regular travelers.
Addressing Toll Plaza Issues
The initiative aims to resolve several long-standing complaints, including:
- Frequent toll plazas within municipal limits.
- Toll booths at intervals of less than 60 km.
- Rising incidents of disputes and violence at toll collection points.
By offering an easy, fixed-cost solution, the government hopes to streamline toll payments while reducing congestion and commuter frustration.
Financial and Revenue Impact
In 2023-24, India’s toll revenue stood at ₹55,000 crore, with private cars contributing ₹8,000 crore. Despite making up 53% of total transactions, private vehicles account for just 21% of total toll revenue. Additionally, nearly 60% of highway traffic during peak hours (6 AM – 10 PM) comes from private vehicles.
While the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may initially see a dip in revenue, officials believe that over time, earnings will stabilize. The scheme could also encourage more car owners to opt for official toll payment methods, reducing evasion and ensuring smoother highway operations.
Implementation Status
The proposal is in its final stages with the Road Transport Ministry, and discussions are ongoing to finalize details. Once approved, it will offer private vehicle owners a cost-effective and convenient way to travel across India’s expanding highway network.
